Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Architecture and ConstructionO*NET 49-2098.00United States

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning

Median annual earnings: $59,681
Projected change: +13%
Typical education: Certificate
Employment: 91.41K jobs

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ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

The work

What security and fire alarm systems installers do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.
Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.
Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.
Keep informed of new products and developments.
Order replacement parts.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile: $38,012
25th percentile: $47,187
50th percentile: $59,681
75th percentile: $73,569
90th percentile: $84,309

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $59,681 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

+13%faster than average

202591,411 jobs

2035 projected103,261 jobs

11,850 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

Certificate: 48.6%
High school diploma or less: 41.4%
Some college: 8.4%
Associate degree: 1.6%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

Fire Alarm Systems
Alarm Devices
Access Controls
Security Systems
Low Voltage
Good Driving Record
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Codes
Electrical Wiring
Fire Protection
Power Tool Operation
Project Management
Blueprinting
Lifting Ability
Hand Tools
Sprinkler Systems
Working at Heights
Industry Standards
Fire Suppression Systems
Safety Standards
Test Equipment

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Installation: Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

01Fire Alarm Technicians3,392 postings
02Low Voltage Technicians1,298 postings
03Fire Alarm Service Technicians966 postings
04Security Technicians875 postings
05Installation Technicians792 postings
06Alarm Technicians696 postings
07Fire Suppression Technicians625 postings
08Fire Sprinkler Designers522 postings
09Security Systems Technicians503 postings
10Fire Alarm/Security Technicians442 postings
11Fire Alarm Systems Technicians436 postings
12Sprinkler Apprentices428 postings
13Fire Alarm Installers397 postings
14Alarm Installation Technicians386 postings
15Fire Sprinkler Foremen333 postings
16Fire Extinguisher Technicians325 postings
17Fire Sprinkler Technicians306 postings
18Security Installation Technicians305 postings
19Fire Alarm Designers280 postings
20Access Control Technicians256 postings

Top employers

01GPAC1,047 postings
02Pye-Barker Fire & Safety658 postings
03Impact Fire Services572 postings
04Securitas568 postings
05TEKsystems538 postings
06Johnson Controls508 postings
07Summit Fire And Security472 postings
08Impact Fire Limited363 postings
09Summit Fire Protection355 postings
10Safe Haven Security Services345 postings
11ADT Security Services311 postings
12Anistar Technologies266 postings
13Vsc Fire & Security248 postings
14Everon Ltd220 postings
15Cintas219 postings
16Per Mar Security Services195 postings
17Siemens179 postings
18Honeywell International178 postings
19Convergint Technologies175 postings
20Evergreen Fire And Security175 postings

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